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A star-filled night returns
The Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala returned with its familiar mix of glamour, music legends, and rising stars, filling the Beverly Hilton with energy and anticipation. After a more serious tone last year, the 2026 gathering felt celebratory again, welcoming artists, executives, and guests.
From emotional tributes to surprise pairings, the evening reminded everyone why this gala remains one of Grammy Week’s most exclusive events. It was not just about awards buzz, but about honoring creativity, legacy, and live performance in one room.
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Art Garfunkel closes the night
Art Garfunkel brought the evening to a quiet and powerful close with a stripped-down performance that held the audience’s full attention. Sitting at the piano, he delivered “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with minimal accompaniment, letting the song’s emotion speak for itself.
Before singing, Garfunkel reflected on recording the track and thanked Clive Davis for believing in a slow song that once felt risky for radio. The moment felt personal, reflective, and deeply respectful of music history.
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Olivia Dean shines onstage
Olivia Dean represented the new generation of artists during the gala, performing “Man I Need” with confidence and warmth. As a Best New Artist Grammy contender, her appearance highlighted her growing influence in the music world.
Her performance balanced vulnerability and strength, earning strong reactions from the crowd. Sharing the stage with legends reinforced how the gala blends established icons with emerging voices shaping the future of music.
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A tribute opens the evening
The night began with a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, setting a respectful tone before the celebration unfolded. MGK started with “I Don’t Wanna Stop,” then passed the moment to Jelly Roll, who sang “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
Jelly Roll’s heartfelt delivery and words honoring Osbourne drew early applause. Opening with a tribute reminded guests that the night was as much about remembering music legends as it was about celebrating current success.
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Clive Davis honored by Obama
One of the evening’s most talked-about moments came through video, not music. Former President Barack Obama appeared in a recorded message honoring Clive Davis for shaping decades of popular music.
Obama highlighted Davis’s role in supporting artists like Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, and Santana. His message emphasized trust in artists and the lasting impact of opening doors, adding a historic note to the gala.
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HUNTR/X brings fresh energy
HUNTR/X delivered one of the most energetic performances of the night with their hit song “Golden.” The group features Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, whose voices bring the fictional K-pop group to life.
Their performance followed earlier showcases the same day, yet still felt exciting and powerful. The crowd response showed how global pop influences now stand comfortably alongside classical American music at the gala.
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Alex Warren takes the stage
Rising artist Alex Warren performed his breakout hit “Ordinary,” continuing the night’s focus on Grammy newcomers. His performance reflected the gala’s tradition of spotlighting artists on the brink of major careers.
Warren shared the stage with other Best New Artist hopefuls, placing him among strong company. Moments like this help introduce newer names to industry leaders and longtime fans in one powerful setting.
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Clipse and John Legend perform
Clipse and John Legend delivered the night’s standout rap performance with “The Birds Don’t Sing.” The song comes from their album Let God Sort Em Out, which heads into the Grammys with major nominations.
Their performance blended storytelling and emotion, earning a strong response from the audience. It showed how the gala embraces different genres while keeping the focus on meaningful lyrics and live delivery.
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Darren Criss honors Bernie Taupin
Darren Criss energized the room with a lively tribute to songwriter Bernie Taupin. He performed a spirited version of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets,” quickly getting guests on their feet.
Laufey later joined him for a duet of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” The pairing felt playful and unexpected, turning the tribute into one of the most joyful moments of the night.
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Jennifer Hudson remembers Roberta Flack
Jennifer Hudson delivered one of the evening’s most emotional tributes by honoring the late Roberta Flack. She sang “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” keeping the arrangement simple and heartfelt.
Her performance drew quiet attention from the crowd, offering a pause in the night’s excitement. It served as a reminder of Flack’s lasting influence and the emotional power of timeless songs.
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Industry icons take the spotlight
This year’s industry honors went to Republic Records founders Avery and Monte Lipman. Their label has worked with artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Post Malone.
They spoke about family, perseverance, and believing in each other when they had little else. Introduced by Lucian Grainge and Stevie Wonder, the moment highlighted the business side of music that helps artists thrive.
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A packed room of famous faces
The gala remained one of Grammy Week’s biggest people-watching events. Guests included Joni Mitchell, Nancy Pelosi, Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey, Paris Hilton, Dave Grohl, and many more.
Seeing stars from music, film, sports, and media in one room added to the night’s buzz. The mix of generations and industries reflected Clive Davis’s wide influence across entertainment.
Curious which artists made waves at Grammy Week? Check out how Raye’s ‘Ice Cream Man’ takes home best song for social change at the Grammys.
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A celebration before Grammy night
As the gala ended, Grammy weekend moved closer to its final act. The event once again proved why it is a key moment before music’s biggest night.
With tributes, rising stars, and unforgettable performances, the 2026 Clive Davis Gala balanced nostalgia with excitement. It celebrated where music has been, where it is now, and where it is headed next.
Want a sneak peek at what happened at the Grammy Weekend? See why Trevor Noah hosted the Grammy Awards for the final time in 2026, making headlines.
The 2026 Grammys are shaping up to be unforgettable! Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to leave a like.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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Last Updated: February 3, 2026
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